Overview: Almost every woman encounters sexual harassment at some point in her work life. Few hope or believe that a complaint will lead to change. Some are confused about the law and company policies, mistrust their perception of the behavior, or do not want to hurt or be criticized by coworkers. Many fear revenge and loss of privacy. Stress, low productivity and morale, absence, turnover, and legal fees disrupt employees and an organization. Sexual harassment may cost a typical Fortune 500 company almost $7 million per year (Working Woman).

How Sexual Harassment Prevention Works: Workplace change calls upon people to move past tolerance and learn to seek common ground to:

• accept mixed-gender teams,
• use differences to produce results,
• act in good faith to manage or change attitudes and behaviors.

A group or organization cannot mandate personal values and thoughts. It can support new attitudes and demand compliance with behavior standards.

The Payoff: Training can provide people with information about laws, guidelines to prevent trouble, and opportunity to learn how group norms can be used to guide behavior.

How to Make It Happen: Informed and experienced facilitators can use information, exercises, and case studies to strengthen skills and confidence to prevent or manage unclear or uncomfortable situations.

Baridon, A.P., & Eyler, D.R., (1996), Sexual Harassment Awareness Training, Washington, DC: McGraw-Hill.

Esty, K. et al, (1995), Workplace Diversity, Holbrook, MA: Adams Media Corporation.

Rosen, R.H., & Berger, L. (1992) The Healthy Company: Eight Strategies to Develop People, Productivity, and Profits, NY: Tilden Publishing.

Sandroff, R. (1988), "Sexual Harrassment in the Fortune 500," In Working Women, December, 69-73.